Chelsea January priority revealed as insiders outline transfer plan

Robin Bairner

13 Nov 2025 10:19 GMT
4 min read

Chelsea have made Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton their priority signing ahead of the January transfer window, according to a report.

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Enzo Maresca’s side are ready to challenge the likes of Manchester United and Real Madrid for the England international star, who has an Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) of €62.1 million.

The Stamford Bridge outfit believe that another midfielder is required to propel the Blues towards trophies, with concerns over a lack of depth in an area in which Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez are racking up huge minutes.

Current ETV

Adam Wharton

M (C)

C. Palace

Adam Wharton

M (C)

C. Palace

ETV Range

€55.9M - €68.3M

Wharton is Chelsea’s first choice, according to TeamTalk, which reports that Nico Paz of Como and Manchester United’s Kobbie Mainoo are also possibilities.

The 21-year-old former Blackburn Rovers player, however, has an asking price of more than €115 million on his head.

TeamTalks states: “Palace remain resolute: no mid-season sale. A January bid would demand a nine-figure sum – prohibitive even for Chelsea’s ambitious owners. Insiders suggest any deal is far more plausible in the summer of 2026, giving both clubs time to negotiate.”

Why Chelsea can forget Paz and Mainoo

If Wharton is unlikely to make a January move, Chelsea appear hard pushed to capture either of the other names on the shortlist.

Despite the insistence from TeamTalk that Paz is “a more immediate possibility”, the truth is that Real Madrid have the young Argentine’s future under lock and key. It would take a remarkable turn of events for Chelsea to whisk him away from Los Blancos given the suite of clauses they have to protect their interests in the thrilling youngster.

Similarly, it’s hard to see Man Utd releasing Mainoo to a direct rival in the race for Champions League football next season. The Red Devils are already reticent to allow the 20-year-old England star to depart, but it would seem like self-sabotage if he were allowed to switch to Chelsea, even via a loan deal.

Maresca may have to be patient to land the additional midfielder he wants – and that could mean waiting for Wharton next summer.

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